Village shop trade badly hit by new Co-op store

A village shop claims the arrival of a major retailer has hit the viability of its business.

As a result the owners are looking to build three homes at the back of the shop.

A planning application seeking permission for this development is now being considered by North Lincolnshire Council.

A statement submitted with the application says: "Greenhill Stores within the heart of Haxey has provided the village with a village store service for many years, establishing itself as an important amenity within Haxey.

"However the recent opening of a new Co-op store within Haxey has had a significant impact upon the commercial viability of the present business.

"This sudden change in circumstances caused by the new store has required the owners, Mr and Mrs Suszczenia, to consider the future of the store and associated site."

The application to erect three dwellings in Greenhill Road is now "under consideration" by planners who say they will welcome people's comments until February 28. Email planning@northlincs.gov.uk

The Lincolnshire Co-operative opened its Haxey store last July - a £1.2 million investment on a former garage site in the High Street, creating 14 jobs, trading from 7am until 10pm - seven days a week.

Last November a new £1.2m Lincolnshire Co-op food store opened in Crowle Market Place, creating 15 jobs.

Spokesman for Lincolnshire Co-op, Emma Snedden, said: “We opened our store in Haxey to give customers and our members in the area an additional shopping choice.

“There are many locations within our trading area which see our stores operating alongside outlets run by other retailers.”